Mario Balotelli is on his way out of Manchester City after partying 12 hours before last Sunday's home game against Tottenham. However, the 22-year-old Italian striker, who had been dropped from the squad and was not due to play, has not broken any club rules.

Internacional's Brazilian striker Leandro Damiao, 23, a long-term Tottenham target, has delivered a blow to Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas by admitting he wants to play for Real Madrid when he eventually makes the move to Europe.

Former Manchester United striker Ole Gunner Solsjkaer has distanced himself from succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson as manager at Old Trafford when the Scot retires. Solsjkaer has just managed Norwegian side Molde to a second successive league title.

John Terry has told friends of his relief after a scan confirmed no serious damage to the knee he injured against Liverpool, and the Chelsea captain hopes he could be fit in time to lead the Blues into their first Fifa Club World Cup next month.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has suggested that the Blues would have "been really crucified" if they had not reported the alleged racist abuse by referee Mark Clattenburg towards Jon Obi Mikel during a game against Manchester United to the Football Association.